Volkswagen Touran review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
Frugal engines, low road tax requirements and predictably strong residuals offset the Touran’s higher purchase price and modest equipment levels
Prices for the Touran start from around £32,500 and rise to more than £35,500, but we'd recommend sticking with a lower spec SE or SE Family - they offer just as much space as other models, but offer better value for money.
The 1.5 TSI Evo with its active cylinder shut-down system is pretty fuel-efficient for a petrol engine, recording up to 43.5mpg with the manual gearbox and up to 42.2mpg with the DSG. CO2 emissions hover around the 150g/km mark, so the Touran isn’t especially cheap to run for company-car drivers.
When offered, the 1.0 TSI had claimed WLTP fuel economy of up to 41.5mpg, which isn’t bad for a small capacity, low output petrol engine in a big car. However, if you regularly load the car up with passengers or stuff, don't expect to get near that figure. Emissions are 128g/km.
The (now discontinued) diesels weren't as far ahead as they once were, which was down to the new WLTP test, rather than any poorer performance from the engines themselves. The 1.6 TDI returns up to 51.4mpg and emissions of 120g/km as a manual, and 50.4mpg and 111g/km with the DSG transmission.
Insurance groups
When the 1.6 TDI in SE trim was still on sale, the Touran in this spec sat in group 12. However, the base 1.6 TDI S was in group 13, because it makes do with fewer driver assist and safety systems than the two plusher models.
It was the same story for the 1.0 TSI, which as an SE or SE Family was in group 11, while the S equivalent was in 13. The 1.5 TSI Evo and 2.0 TDI diesels are all in group 17, irrespective of whether you choose SE, SEL or R-Design trim.
Depreciation
While MPVs aren't as desirable as some other types of family car, the Touran holds on to a respectable 53-57 per cent of its value after three years. That's probably down to the fact it's a VW, a badge that still holds appeal with buyers. In comparison, the Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer manages 47-49 per cent and the Peugeot Rifter is in the 41-47 per cent range, even though these two are arguably more versatile than the Touran.
